Income inequality: Which Washington city is worst?

November 2, 2012 3:12 PM

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Recently released statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau give us a better look at how income gets spread around in American. Nationally, the highest-earning 5 percent of the population take in 22.1 percent of all income, according to the most recently results of the American Community Survey. The least-paid 20 percent of Americans take in about 3.3 percent of all earnings. Click through the gallery above to see how Washington's cities and towns compare. less

Recently released statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau give us a better look at how income gets spread around in American. Nationally, the highest-earning 5 percent of the population take in 22.1 percent of ... more

Photo: Alex Wong, /

Recently released statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau give us a... Photo-3682124.51762 - seattlepi.com

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In Washington state, the richest 5 percent get a little less – and the poorest a little more – of the pie when compared to the national average. According to Census Bureau figures, Washington’s highest earning 5 percent were paid 20.1 percent of all income in the state, while the poorest 20 percent received 3.7 percent of all income. Click through the gallery to see which Washington city or town has the highest level of income inequality. less

In Washington state, the richest 5 percent get a little less – and the poorest a little more – of the pie when compared to the national average. According to Census Bureau figures, Washington’s highest ... more

Photo: Dan Callister, /

In Washington state, the richest 5 percent get a little less –... Photo-3682120.51762 - seattlepi.com

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59. Eastmont: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 12.4 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 5.2 percent of the pay.

59. Eastmont: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 12.4 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 5.2 percent of the pay.

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59. Eastmont: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid... Photo-3681958.51762 - seattlepi.com

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58. Spanaway: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 12.7 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 5.4 percent of the pay.

58. Spanaway: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 12.7 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 5.4 percent of the pay.

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58. Spanaway: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid... Photo-3682130.51762 - seattlepi.com

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57. Silver Firs: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 13.2 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 6.6 percent of the pay.

57. Silver Firs: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 13.2 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 6.6 percent of the pay.

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57. Silver Firs: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid... Photo-3682133.51762 - seattlepi.com

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56. Maple Valley: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 13.2 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 5.4 percent of the pay.

56. Maple Valley: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 13.2 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 5.4 percent of the pay.

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56. Maple Valley: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid... Photo-3681975.51762 - seattlepi.com

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55. Marysville: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 13.5 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 4.8 percent of the pay.

55. Marysville: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 13.5 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 4.8 percent of the pay.

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55. Marysville: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid... Photo-3681974.51762 - seattlepi.com

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54. Fairwood: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 14.4 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 5.6 percent of the pay.

54. Fairwood: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 14.4 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 5.6 percent of the pay.

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54. Fairwood: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid... Photo-3681954.51762 - seattlepi.com

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53. Oak Harbor: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 14.4 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 5.1 percent of the pay.

53. Oak Harbor: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 14.4 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 5.1 percent of the pay.

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53. Oak Harbor: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid... Photo-3682150.51762 - seattlepi.com

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52. South Hill: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 14.8 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 5.1 percent of the pay.

52. South Hill: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 14.8 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 5.1 percent of the pay.

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52. South Hill: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid... Photo-3682132.51762 - seattlepi.com

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51. Kennewick: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 14.8 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 4.4 percent of the pay.

51. Kennewick: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 14.8 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 4.4 percent of the pay.

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51. Kennewick: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid... Photo-3681947.51762 - seattlepi.com

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50. Mountlake Terrace: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 15 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 4.8 percent of the pay.

50. Mountlake Terrace: The richest 5 percent in this community were paid 15 percent of the pay, while the poorest 20 percent received 4.8 percent of the pay.